GGM: Global Gel Meeting 2024

Witten, 17 & 18 September: We are thrilled to look back on two remarkable days at the Global Gel Meeting 2024, where industry experts, innovators, and partners from around the world came together to share knowledge, exchange insights, and strengthen the bonds that drive progress in the polymer industry.

The first day of our event began in the historic Lohnhalle in Wattenscheid, a venue that perfectly embodies the heritage of the Ruhr area. The day was moderated by Thomas Gerres, who guided our guests through the agenda with expert precision. Thomas shared background information about the deep historical connection between the Ruhr region and OCS, highlighting the shared values of innovation, resilience, and industrial heritage. The unique atmosphere of the Lohnhalle provided the perfect backdrop for these reflections.

Our attendees were then treated to a series of insightful presentations from some of the most respected companies in the industry, including Trioworld, Klöckner Pentaplast, Borealis, Coperion, Erema, OQ, IKV (Institute for Plastics Processing), and of course, from our own team. Each presentation offered a deep dive into cutting-edge developments, trends, and technologies. After each presentation, we held interactive discussions that encouraged participants to ask questions, share their experiences, and engage in meaningful technical dialogues. In the afternoon, buses transported our guests to their respective hotels, allowing them to recharge before the evening’s networking dinner.

Later, everyone was brought together again for a dinner at “Andre’s alte Fähre”, a beautiful riverside location on the Ruhr. Surrounded by the serene landscape, we enjoyed a relaxed evening of great food and conversation, accompanied by the soulful tunes of a live saxophonist. It was a great opportunity for everyone to connect on a more personal level and continue the conversations started earlier in the day.

The second day of the GGM began back at the Lohnhalle, with anticipation high for the final round of presentations. This time, we heard from industry leaders Ecoplast, Windmöller & Hölscher, DOW, and our own experts, who provided further valuable insights into the latest developments in polymer technology. The presentations once again spurred lively discussions, with our guests contributing their expertise to explore the practical applications and future potential of the innovations being showcased.

After the morning session, we headed to our headquarters in Witten for an open house and BBQ. Our guests had the opportunity to tour our production facilities, see our machines in action, and learn more about our latest innovations directly from our sales and development teams. It was an interactive experience, with hands-on demonstrations and in-depth explanations that allowed our guests to get up close and personal with our technology and processes.

We concluded the event with a barbecue, giving everyone a chance to unwind and enjoy some excellent food in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The open house and BBQ were the perfect way to close out two days of learning, collaboration, and innovation.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the presenters, participants, and partners who made this event such a success. Your contributions, enthusiasm, and engagement were instrumental in creating an unforgettable experience. Events like these remind us of the power of collaboration and knowledge sharing in driving innovation and growth in our industry.

We are already looking forward to the next Global Gel Meeting and the chance to come together once again to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of polymers.

Until then, thank you all for your participation and support.

See you next time!